DSM helps Velox3 to set a new world record

Schaffhausen, CH, 18 Sep 2013 11:45 CEST

At the 2013 World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) in Nevada,
the Human Power Team from the Netherlands was named as winner,
achieving a new world record speed of 133.78 km/h. Their Velox3 was
solely powered by human efforts. The aerodynamic composite shell was
made from lightweight DSM materials, greatly contributing to the
team’s success.

The WHPSC is held annually near the American village of Battle Mountain. For the event the Sunrise and Sunset Highway (SR305) remains closed for 5 days. This straight highway is 10 km long and has a maximum slope of 0.65%. Since the highway is in the middle of the desert there are no buildings and the Velox3 met very few obstacles.

The shell of the Velox3 was manufactured using innovative Daron® resins of DSM, optimized for use in a vacuum infusion process. Daron resins from DSM can be used with carbon fibers to make strong, tough and durable composite parts. Thanks to their low inherent viscosity the Daron resins demonstrate fast fiber impregnation, and also have an excellent adhesion with the carbon fiber. The resins can be easily adjusted for making complex shaped parts. This unique set of characteristics brings freedom to design and lightweight high performance - a winning combination.

“At the moment of truth both the technical and human side came together in the right way”, commented team leader Wouter Lion. "This superlight Velox3 allowed our Sebastiaan Bowier to become the fastest driver in the world of a human-powered vehicle.”

“DSM’s involvement in the Velox3 perfectly illustrates its commitment to both performance and innovation” adds Fons Harbers, Commercial Director DSM Composite Resins. “By creating the right environment, we develop together with our partners technologies that bring benefits to both people and planet.”